Any person can be inspirational

Sarah Fletcher

Rock star or academic – one of life’s choices Sarah Fletcher was born with mild cerebral palsy but thanks to amazing parents and a great physiotherapist, she never really let that get in her way. Her accomplishments range from receiving scholarships for each of her degrees, to organizing several North American tours with the rock band that she sang in for eight years. She is now trying to decide what to do with her life- should she be a rockstar or an academic? . She was in London and Australia for a year finishing her masters in medical anthropology and had to leave Victoria to do that- that also meant leaving the band, as well as her boyfriend. She is now working for the Ministry of Health and has also started a music management company.

She got married last summer and has just given her notice with the government to go work on a research contract in the Yukon and will be starting her Phd either at SFU or UVIC in the fall, but not before exploring her new adventure into screen acting….. who knows what’s next…
< Read what students said>

<Sarah talks about creative ways of finding work and exploring careers>
<Sarah talking about CSI > Adjudicator and director
Connie Nicholson : One of her highlights has been the world of the theatre. Brought up in the Depression she can tell stories of limited resources and little to no opportunities. She was self educated after high school and has played significant roles in community theatre in small towns and larger centres in BC, including being a BC Government Theatre Adjudicator.She has directed many productions and played significant roles. in community theatre in BC and Maui Along the way helped others go on to professional stage and screen. Her other talents include writing. She’s served as a member of the BC Arts Board and as president of the BC Drama Association. Her sonnet hints at her remarkable life.

Drama Coach

Eleanor Phillips has nearly attained octogenarian status with eight grandchildren, you would need all your fingers and a number of toes to count the number of groups, activities and organizations that she is a huge part of. In her professional life she was a teachers and consultant. She currently has almost 50 students who come to her for private lessons in speech arts. She had over 200 entries in the Festival of the Arts this year, prepared tens of students for exams and accredited teachers in this field. Her interests and expertise have often developed from what her children were involved with. Her communities range from politics to the

theatre, from athletics to church. Find out what it takes to make such a difference in the many communities she’s lived in.
< Talking how she’s used literature to change a student’s life>

Management

Deb Renz is a theatre manager for the Sid Williams Theatre . She learned her craft patiently and seized various opportunities as they came along, sometimes just to help out. They have been invaluable in her personal and career development. She knows how to retain employees, market new ideas, and deal with enormous challenges that rocked the foundation of the organization. Her stories touch on everyone from the reticent patron to the precious performer .Insights also include the wide range of opportunities that the Arts and Theatre have for those just started out in their careers.